Researchers found notable associations with oil combustion sources and coal and biomass burning
A new study published in NEJM Evidence by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Harvard University, and Emory University analyzed data from more than 65 million people across the United States between 2000 and 2016 to understand how different sources of PM2.5 impact the risk of dying due to heart attacks or ischemic stroke.
The study, which used machine learning models to estimate air pollutant exposures, found that higher death rates from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), were linked to PM2.5 from specific sources. They found 4%-6% increase in the risk of ASCVD death, with notable associations with oil combustion sources in the eastern and Midwest U.S regions, and coal and biomass burning in the West and Southwest. Industrial and motor vehicle pollution were also associated with increased risks of ASCVD death. Even in places where pollution levels were below current federal air quality standards, the risk of heart disease and ischemic stroke deaths remained significant.
Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is a type of air pollution made up of tiny particles that can enter our lungs and bloodstream. Past research has shown that PM2.5 is linked to heart disease, particularly ASCVD, which involves the hardening of arteries. However, most studies have focused on the total amount of PM2.5 in the air, not the different sources or chemical makeup of the pollution.
“Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution,” said senior author Maayan Yitshak Sade, MPH, PhD, Associate Professor Department of Environmental Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Air pollution is a critical and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, ranking among the leading contributors to preventable cardiovascular health burdens worldwide.”
This study highlights the differential risks associated with regional and pollution-source variations, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce exposure and protect the most at-risk populations.
These findings suggest that improving air quality standards and targeting specific pollution sources, like coal combustion, could save lives. It also highlights the need to consider regional differences in pollution exposure when developing public health policies.